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Portland Port Officials Waiting For Word From Hanjin

Officials at the Port of Portland say a major hauler has a good reason to stay at the port, now that a dispute over certain jobs is resolved. But Korea-based Hanjin Shipping hasn’t said it will.

Governor John Kitzhaber announced a deal this week shifting two jobs on refrigerated containers to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. It guarantees other work for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

“We know their departure was not due to a lack of available cargo,” Thomas said. “So, resolving the root causes of their withdrawal - issues like this - will absolutely make the case for Hanjin to stay in the market.”

But the longshore union cautions that significant differences remain between terminal operator, ICTSI, and Hanjin, over costs and the best way to manage cargo.

Port officials agree that challenges remain, in terms of labor relations, costs, and productivity at the terminal.